Help! Off road logging tractor?

[Hooverscon]

Hello all - I need some advice. I live on a 25 acre farm with the majority of the acreage being swamp/wetlands. I am in search of a small Kubota tractor (b6000, b6100, or b7100) that is powerful enough to pull out small logs while still being small enough, and light enough, to navigate through the woods. A four-wheeler, in my opinion, is not designed for heavy pulling. I am not concerned about implements (I understand b6000's CCW PTO). What tractor would be the best option? I will also be using it as a "hunting vehicle" to haul in tree stands and haul out big game. I'm interested in hearing suggestions!

I am leaning towards the B6000

 

[shootem604]

If you can find one with the "rice paddy" creeper gear range, you could drag out logs, etc, but you might not have enough weight to get the traction? Those grey market rice paddy tires are really aggressive too, maybe the combination? I have limited experience dragging logs around in my area, but the issue I run into with my tractor is that the sand and gravel 3" below the surface means that if I start to spin, I just dig ruts.

 

[D2Cat]

I would go to the B6100, or B7100 4x4 just because parts would be much more readily available.

 

[SidecarFlip]

25 acres is a 'patch' not a farm. Sounds to me like you need an Argo.

 

[procraftmike]

I've got a B7100, 4wd with R1 tires on it and I have been very impressed with what I can pull with it.

I have been able to pull my tower stands around with it, plus pull them up, once in position.

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

B7100D IMHO would be the best.

 

[SidecarFlip]

I've got a B7100, 4wd with R1 tires on it and I have been very impressed with what I can pull with it.

I have been able to pull my tower stands around with it, plus pull them up, once in position.

In the picture, looks like the tractor needs 'pulled up' too.

 

[motionclone]

25 acres is a 'patch' not a farm. Sounds to me like you need an Argo.

Back on topic:

OP, Disregard flip,
Sorry I can't help you with your tractor selection.

 

[Hooverscon]

Haha I was actually looking at an Argo for a minute. I really like the look of the b6000 but 'lack of support' makes me nervous. From what I've been the b6000 and b61000 are similar in the dimensions department.... In terms of power, how much more pulling power does 150 + pounds and 1 extra Hp help?

As for the grey market rice tires... Is there any way to purchase them online? I haven't started that search yet. I recently purchased a b7200 with turf tires and wanted to add Ag tires but the rim/tire option no longer exist.

What would you "estimate" the max towing be for the 6000, 6100, and 7100? Would it be a noticeable difference?

Thanks for all the help... And JOKES haha

I actually have full access to 80 acres... but only want to log my 25

 

[David Page]

We have taken over 100 cord off 8 acres over the years, a lot of tractor work. But you ave to be careful with a standard when a log fetches up.

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

I recently purchased a b7200 with turf tires and wanted to add Ag tires but the rim/tire option no longer exist.

I'm really confused as the B7200 would do a better job than any of the others????
And yes you can get AG tires and rims for the b7200.

 

[Russell King]

I agree with Flip
A multi wheel vehicle like an Argo or Max would probably be least likely to get stuck if it is swampy and marshy.

Max has a truck called a buffalo if memory works.

Only problem is that max is out of business so you would have to get used one. There are some that had diesels installed.

I know little of Argo other than they are expensive.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[bearbait]

An Argo may get you in to where you want to go however pulling logs out with one I doubt very much and yes they are expensive.

 

[shootem604]

Haha I was actually looking at an Argo for a minute. I really like the look of the b6000 but 'lack of support' makes me nervous. From what I've been the b6000 and b61000 are similar in the dimensions department.... In terms of power, how much more pulling power does 150 + pounds and 1 extra Hp help?

As for the grey market rice tires... Is there any way to purchase them online? I haven't started that search yet. I recently purchased a b7200 with turf tires and wanted to add Ag tires but the rim/tire option no longer exist.

What would you "estimate" the max towing be for the 6000, 6100, and 7100? Would it be a noticeable difference?

Thanks for all the help... And JOKES haha

I actually have full access to 80 acres... but only want to log my 25

Here in Canada there were several places to buy grey market Kubota tractors and parts that you could try. In the USA, I know of this company that imports stuff: https://www.tractorco.com/ but there aren't any that sell Kubota. They may be able to help with those rice paddy R1 type tires.

 

[Treckerzeug]

hello,

Two thoughts
-twin tyres reduce the ground pressure enormously and help getting bogged
-a small logging winch, pto driven, 50-60 m cable, Helps to stay out of the
wettest areas

You ll be very much surprised what pulling power these small tractors have,
Main problem might be the carrying capacity of the ground though

The choice between 16 or 19 hp is not that much of a difference

Regards

Robert

 

[procraftmike]

In my opinion an Argo would be a poor choice. From what I have seen, their is not much for ground clearance under them. If you have stumps, debri and bogs, you may have issues getting hung up.

I used to use a tractor exclusively for hauling deer and putting up stands, but I find that an ATV does a much better job, in terms of ride comfort and speed control, vs. a tractor. But, if you can only afford one, the tractor would be a better choice, as you can do more with it.

 

[Hooverscon]

I have been watching plenty of YouTube videos with ATVs pulling wagons and logging carts. Some of the wagons are in excess of 1 ton, when fully loaded. Even the heaviest atv still weighs less than a b6000... which, from what I understand, it's the weight of the machine that is most important when hauling.

I've looked at old manuals for the late B series kubotas and they say the towing capacity is only 1000lbs.

I have watch a few videos of the b6000 and b7100 hauling some major weight... But I can never get an approximate weight.

 

[bearbait]

An atv will pull a fair amount of weight but only over even ground. If your in rough terrain trying to haul heavy loads they become useless.

 

[Hooverscon]

I would definitely take a "smarter" route but I must say this is impressive. I would love to see a B-series attempt this!

https://youtu.be/LvRmykI3wR4

 

[bcp]

No idea how far he hauled the logs, but he may have been faster making 3 trips with one log. Easier on the equipment, too.


Bruce